Woodstock Harriers' in-form veteran Chris Sykes will be gunning for a hat-trick of Oxford Mail Cross Country League victories, as the competition moves up to Banbury on Sunday.

Sykes has produced two stunning performances so far, to head the standings.

However, he may well be given a stern test this weekend, with the likely return to action of Headington Roadrunner Kevin Murphy.

A modfied course is expected to provide tough competition as Drayton School, with alterations being made in order to make it a more spectator-friendly venue.

With the conditions expected to be soggy under foot, and with new parts to the course, it will be a step into the unknown for the runners.

All divisions will be affected by absentees over the holiday period, although some clubs will benefit by having students returning to the ranks.

The host club, Banbury Harriers, hope to put out a stronger men's team with the return of two students, but are a long way behind in their battle to avoid the drop from Division 1 far behind in the first division.

Eynsham will look to cling on to their lead in men's Division 2, with title favourites Oxford City breathing down their necks.

City were weaker than normal for the second round due to a clash with the Chiltern League.

Headington lost their narrow lead in both the men's and women's competitions at the last round at Enslow, but will look to do better this time around.

Witney's women, with Nicola Gomm, Elyssia Ridley and Sally Pitts all performing consistently, may well prove difficult to dislodge now, if all are available.

Cirencester, on the other hand, need only one more good runner to support their first and second at Enslow and then would romp home.

With Lucy Smith and Phillippa Jones due to return, Headington can't be entirely written off either, so quite a battle is in prospect.

Woodstock and Headington have already made the men's first division a two-horse race and this looks likely to continue.